Tragedy Strikes Kangai Village as Locals Torch Infamous Bar

Enraged residents set ablaze a bar in Kangai village, Kirinyaga County, where six individuals consumed poisoned alcohol, resulting in their deaths, while five others were left blinded.

The residents burned down the establishment belonging to the local proprietor early Wednesday, causing extensive damage estimated in the thousands.

Authorities discovered crates of beer, bottles, and tables scattered in the aftermath. Police found numerous belongings inside the charred remains of the bar.

Allegedly, the patrons entered the bar on Monday night, where they consumed the toxic beverage while engaging in conversation. After becoming intoxicated, they left the premises one by one to return to their homes.

However, on Tuesday morning, the inebriated individuals began complaining of severe stomach pains. By midday, five people had succumbed to the poisoning. Another individual died shortly after being transported to Kerugoya Hospital by relatives.

Dennis Muciimi, the County Minister of Sports, Culture, and Social Services for Kirinyaga, revealed that the licensing board had ignored the bar’s application in December 2023, as it failed to comply with the Alcohol Control Act of 2014.

“The establishment failed to adhere to alcohol control laws,” stated Muciimi.

Meanwhile, George Karoki, the Health counterpart, reported that the five individuals who had lost their sight were receiving treatment at Njegas Health Center. He mentioned that the patients exhibited symptoms of blurred vision, indicating possible respiratory and nervous system complications resulting from the consumption of alcohol with a high concentration of ethanol.

Deputy Commissioner for Mwea West, Teresia Wanjiku, disclosed that the bar owner had faced repeated arrests and charges for selling illicit alcohol but had been released due to insufficient evidence.

Wanjiku defended her team’s efforts to prevent such incidents, citing attempts to raid the California bar, yet legal challenges hindered their ability to apprehend the owner and close the establishment.

The official deemed the incident embarrassing and emphasized the challenges faced in enforcing the law against the bar owner.